The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues a warning advising people not to kiss or snuggle their backyard poultry. The alert comes after 109 individuals across 29 states reported illnesses linked to contact with their ducks, chickens, and turkeys.
The CDC explains that close interaction with poultry can lead to the transmission of Salmonella germs, which can cause severe illness if ingested. These germs can easily transfer from the birds to humans, especially when individuals handle their poultry and then touch their mouths or faces.
Salmonella infection can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically developing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The CDC advises that anyone who must handle their poultry should immediately wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward. They also recommend maintaining good hygiene practices around poultry habitats, such as regularly cleaning coops, cages, and feeding equipment.
The agency’s warning highlights the importance of awareness and preventive measures to avoid Salmonella infection from backyard poultry. This alert serves as a reminder for poultry owners to prioritize health and safety when interacting with their animals.
